How to avoid scams when buying digital codes online
The digital goods market attracts fraudsters: products are delivered instantly, refunds are difficult, and buyers often don't know the warning signs. Here's the complete list of red flags and protective steps.
Red flags: walk away immediately
Price too good to be true. A $60 Steam game selling for $5 isn't a discount — it's a scam. Genuine discounts rarely exceed 60–70% off retail.
No contact information. No address, no email support, no phone — just a web form. If something goes wrong, you have nowhere to turn.
No refund policy. "All sales are final" on codes is a sign the seller knows some codes don't work.
Payment only via crypto or bank transfer. This eliminates any chargeback option. Legitimate sellers accept cards through secure payment processors.
No reviews or suspicious ones. Hundreds of five-star reviews with no text are a common sign of fake ratings. Look for detailed comments from real accounts.
How to vet a seller
- Search the store name + "reviews" in a search engine — negative buyer experiences usually surface on forums.
- Check domain age — a new domain (under a year old) for a supposedly large store is suspicious.
- Verify SSL (padlock in the browser) and a recognized payment processor.
- Look for media mentions or partnerships with known brands.
How Marix is different
Marix is a Russian digital goods marketplace with a transparent approach: official suppliers, refunds for non-working codes, live support, and secure payments. All codes are verified before listing.
If a code doesn't work — you don't have to argue endlessly. Marix support resolves issues quickly.
Verification tips
- Screenshot the code before activating it
- Activate the code immediately after receiving it, don't delay
- Don't share the code with anyone before activation
Frequently asked questions
I've already been scammed — what should I do?
- Dispute the transaction with your bank (chargeback) — if the product was not delivered.
- Report the scam site to Google Safe Browsing or your country's consumer protection authority.
- If you paid by card, banks often side with buyers when no product was delivered.
How do I know if a code is already used?
Try activating it — the platform will immediately show an "already redeemed" error. Contact the seller right away after this.
Are code generators ever legitimate?
Never. No legitimate tool generates working Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation codes. These are always phishing attempts or data harvesting operations.